WHEN WORRY HAS A GRIP ON YOU

By Rita Prochazka

W: Withdraw to a quiet place. (Luke 5:16)

But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Quiet is always good for our body, soul and mind. It gives you space to think and sort out your thoughts. If you are not a person who likes lots of quiet, play soft music in the background to help you so seek God’s peace for your heart.

O: Obey what God says. (John 15:10)

When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

Listen during your prayer time with the Lord. If you discern an answer, after quietly waiting on Him, obey Him. He only wants what’s best for you. He never contradicts or goes against His loving nature for you. He is truth and love.

R: Rest in His love. He is faithful. (Jeremiah 31:3)

Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.“

Rest, relax and lean into God’s love. He is your loving and caring Father who has promised to never leave or forsake you. He is very near to you at all times.

R: Revive your prayer life. (Philippians 4:6)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Pray from your place of worry. Lay it all out before the Lord. Put your trust in Him and know that He has everything under control. Read a book on prayer or try a spiritual discipline with prayer as the focus. Write out and journal your prayers to God.

Y: Yield to His ultimate plan. (Psalm 143:10)

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.

Remember He is sovereign over all. Take all your doubts and fears to Him in surrender to His will and plan. He knows your hearts.

A CALL TO BE CONTENT

C: Cultivate a grateful heart. (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet will I rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

A gardener works the soil, breaking it up, fine and smooth before planting. Gratefulness keeps your heart soft and pliable before the Lord and others. Give the Lord soil to work with by being grateful everyday!

O: Observe God’s creation. (Romans 1:20)

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

It’s everywhere! Take a close look at something you’ve never noticed before and thank God for it. His creation is a masterpiece. You are His creation and a masterpiece.

N: Nurture love for others. (Mark 12:31)

The second is equally important, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.

Don’t become so self-focused that you are not reaching those near you with love and compassion. Be dedicated to love others in big and small ways, every day.

But…

T: Take time for yourself. (Eccl. 3:11a)

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.

Unwind and do something you enjoy. It can be a gift to yourself. Stress and busyness can take a toll on your body, mind and spirit. Look for ways to be refreshed. A walk, a lunch date, working on your favorite hobby, anything that helps you feel like YOU!

E: Engage in meaningful conversation. (Col. 4:6)

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Spend time learning about and connecting with others and being a grace-filled light for Christ. Speak with integrity. Listen and deeply care. Someone else needs to hear from you today.

N: Never give up on God or yourself. (Psalm 28:7)

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Jesus said, “I will never leave or forsake you.” He is a truth-teller. Believe Him. He is a firm foundation you can rely on. Persevere through it all with Jesus.

T: Tell others about Jesus. (John 3:16, Matt. 28:19)

For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

You know Jesus. You want others to know Him. When He’s your best friend, it’s easy to tell others about Him. It will be a natural thing for you to do.

Rita Prochazka’s call to short-term mission trips have placed her in many unique places in the world. In the beginning stages is a book to be written highlighting those places and people, that she prays will make it into the hands of her family for generations to come. Rita lives in Michigan with her husband, Mark. They are parents of two married daughters and one married son. They are known as Papa and Grammy to two granddaughters and two grandsons. Rita is a Bible study teacher and facilitator for a women’s Sunday school class at her church. Her prayer is to encourage women to seek God’s plan for their winter season, to live it out and to give all the glory to God!